Created by [[Tobirama Senju]], this technique was intended for the dead to be reincarnated into soldiers able to clear a battlefield with devastating and under any other circumstance suicidal attacks.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 561, page 2</ref> Some time after its creation, however, Tobirama labelled it a kinjutsu and sealed it away. The [[Sannin]] [[Orochimaru]] would later acquire the knowledge of how to use this technique to achieve his own objectives.<ref name="Fivetwenty">''Naruto'' chapter 520</ref> Orochimaru's aide [[Kabuto Yakushi]] claims this technique to be the greatest technique in the shinobi universe due to it posing no risk at all to the user, and by his own admission, has improved it to an even greater degree than its previous use.<ref name="Fivetwenty"/><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 521, page 13</ref> This was affirmed by [[Chiyo]] — who had lived through the era of its initial use — to comment that its usage had become even more refined to be able to control such a large number of souls at one time.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 521, page 5</ref> Later, even Tobirama himself admitted to this, noting that the technique's new nature was essentially perfected and able to restore an individual to practically their full power.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 620, page 10</ref>

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Created by [[Tobirama Senju]], this technique was intended for the dead to be reincarnated into soldiers able to clear a battlefield with devastating and under any other circumstance suicidal attacks.<ref>Chapter 561, page 2</ref> Some time after its creation, however, Tobirama labelled it a kinjutsu and sealed it away. The [[Sannin]] [[Orochimaru]] would later acquire the knowledge of how to use this technique to achieve his own objectives.<ref name="Fivetwenty">Chapter 520</ref> Orochimaru's aide [[Kabuto Yakushi]] claims this technique to be the greatest technique in the shinobi universe due to it posing no risk at all to the user, and by his own admission, has improved it to an even greater degree than its previous use.<ref name="Fivetwenty"/><ref>Chapter 521, page 13</ref> This was affirmed by [[Chiyo]] — who had lived through the era of its initial use — to comment that its usage had become even more refined to be able to control such a large number of souls at one time.<ref>Chapter 521, page 5</ref> Later, even Tobirama himself admitted to this, noting that the technique's new nature was essentially perfected and able to restore an individual to practically their full power.<ref>Chapter 620, page 10</ref>

To perform this technique, the user must first acquire some of the [[Wikipedia:DNA|DNA]] of the person they intend to reincarnate. Kabuto remarks that this basically amounts to grave-robbing, although blood stains or organs salvaged after the target's death also work.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 520, page 11-13</ref> The soul of the intended reincarnated must also reside in the {{translation|[[Wikipedia:Pure land|pure world]]|浄土|jōdo}}; for example, those whose souls have been consumed by the [[Dead Demon Consuming Seal|Death God]] cannot be reincarnated.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 520, page 12</ref> However, if it is a case where the souls are freed from inside the Shinigami, then a user of this technique is free to reincarnate them once again.<ref name="chpt618">''Naruto'' chapter 618, pages 13-17</ref>

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To perform this technique, the user must first acquire some of the [[Wikipedia:DNA|DNA]] of the person they intend to reincarnate. Kabuto remarks that this basically amounts to grave-robbing, although blood stains or organs salvaged after the target's death also work.<ref>Chapter 520, page 11-13</ref> The soul of the intended reincarnated must also reside in the {{translation|[[Pure Land]]|浄土|jōdo}}; for example, those whose souls have been consumed by the [[Dead Demon Consuming Seal|Death God]] cannot be reincarnated.<ref>Chapter 520, page 12</ref> However, if it is a case where the souls are freed from inside the Shinigami, then a user of this technique is free to reincarnate them once again.<ref name="chpt618">Chapter 618, pages 13-17</ref>

[[File:Fu sacrifice.png|thumb|Torune being reincarnated with Fū as the sacrifice.]]

[[File:Fu sacrifice.png|thumb|Torune being reincarnated with Fū as the sacrifice.]]

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Next, a living sacrifice is required for the soul of the reincarnated to use as a vessel.<ref name="Fivetwenty"/> Once all prerequisites for the technique have been met, the acquired DNA of the person is smeared on a special scroll and once the scroll is activated, the remains spread out in the form of a special seal with the living sacrifice in the centre. Then dust and ash encase the sacrifice's body, giving them the same appearance that the reincarnated had at the time of their death. The process is apparently somewhat painful as seen when Fū was used to reincarnate Torune. The person is then reincarnated and the end product is usually stored in a casket until summoned by the user. The user can theoretically reincarnate a limitless number of people in this way, so long as they have enough sacrifices, chakra and DNA to perform the technique.<ref name="Fivetwenty"/> Despite this, this technique also has limitations, such as the individual having limitations that inhibited them in life such as Nagato's lack of mobility and depending on the summoner's mastery of the technique, the reincarnated individuals might not be brought back with the full power they had in life. However, reincarnating an individual with full power provides a potential risk to the user as the reincarnated can resist the restraining properties before they can have a talisman implanted into their brains. Although, this has only [[Hashirama Senju|happened]] [[Tobirama Senju|twice]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 620, page 10</ref>

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Next, a living sacrifice is required for the soul of the reincarnated to use as a vessel.<ref name="Fivetwenty"/> Once all prerequisites for the technique have been met, the acquired DNA of the person is smeared on a special [[scroll]] and once the scroll is activated, the remains spread out in the form of a special seal with the living sacrifice in the centre. Then dust and ash encase the sacrifice's body, giving them the same appearance that the reincarnated had at the time of their death. The process is apparently somewhat painful as seen when Fū was used to reincarnate Torune. The person is then reincarnated and the end product is usually stored in a casket until summoned by the user. The user can theoretically reincarnate a limitless number of people in this way, so long as they have enough sacrifices, chakra and DNA to perform the technique.<ref name="Fivetwenty"/> Despite this, this technique also has limitations, such as the individual having limitations that inhibited them in life such as Nagato's lack of mobility and depending on the summoner's mastery of the technique, the reincarnated individuals might not be brought back with the full power they had in life. However, reincarnating an individual with full power provides a potential risk to the user as the reincarnated can resist the restraining properties before they can have a talisman implanted into their brains. Although, this has only [[Hashirama Senju|happened]] [[Tobirama Senju|twice]].<ref>Chapter 620, page 10</ref> Any chakra of the sacrifice used for the reincarnation is completely overridden with the chakra of the one being reincarnated, thus a sensor type would only sense the chakra of the reincarnated soul and won't sense anything of the victim's original chakra signature. Even though destroying a shinobi's clothing causes it to regenerate, if it was taken off willingly without destroying the clothing, it will not reform on the reincarnated. Also, any unique anatomy will be restored with the reincarnated such as Hanzō's poison gland.

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It is possible for a reincarnated shinobi to be [[Outer Path: Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique|revived]] into a real living body again. Madara, however, was resurrected without his original eyes, havingdiedwithoutthem.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 637, page 1</ref>

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It is possible for a reincarnated shinobi to be [[Outer Path: Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique|revived]] into a real living body again. However, any modifications to the reincarnated that already exists elsewhere will be removed as a result. Madara, for example, was resurrected without his Rinnegan, becausetheyalreadyexisted elsewhere and were not with him when he died.<ref>Chapter 637, page 1</ref>

== Usage ==

== Usage ==

=== Summoning ===

=== Summoning ===

[[File:Edo Tensei 2.png|thumb|left|Deidara being "activated" after being reincarnated.]]

[[File:Edo Tensei 2.png|thumb|left|Deidara being "activated" after being reincarnated.]]

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When first summoned, the body of the reincarnated is stored in a coffin; their body will appear grey and in a state of minor "decay": marred by cracks and other imperfections, and the individual will also appear to be "disengaged". Uponbeing inserted a talisman, their bodies become "rejuvenated", regaining their original complexion and their eyes lose their glassy state; however, their sclerae take on a grey colouring, however this has no affect on the ability of the reincarnated and they can be left in this "decay" state if the summoner chooses to give them free reign. They retain their personality, memories, and all abilities they had in life, including [[kekkei genkai]], [[kekkei tōta]] and [[Summoning Technique|summoning contracts]], though in [[Minato Namikaze|one case]], the reincarnated used an [[Nine-Tails Chakra Mode|ability]] he gained posthumously.<ref name="chapter 631">''Naruto'' chapter 631, page 6</ref> When the reincarnated is conscious and their personality is suppressed, their sclerae becomes black and gain white irides.<ref name="chapter 521">''Naruto'' chapter 521</ref>

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When first summoned, the body of the reincarnated is stored in a coffin; their body will appear grey and in a state of minor "decay": marred by cracks and other imperfections, and the individual will also appear to be "disengaged". Afterinserting a talisman, their bodies become "rejuvenated", regaining their original complexion and their eyes lose their glassy state; however, their sclerae take on a grey colouring, however this has no affect on the ability of the reincarnated and they can be left in this "decay" state if the summoner chooses to give them free reign. They retain their personality, memories, and all abilities they had in life, including [[kekkei genkai]], [[kekkei tōta]] and [[Summoning Technique|summoning contracts]].<ref name="chapter 631">Chapter 631, page 6</ref> When the reincarnated is conscious and their personality is suppressed, their sclerae becomes black and gain white irises.<ref name="chapter 521">Chapter 521</ref> Also, any conversation the reincarnated has with others, including other reincarnations, will not be heard by the user that is controlling them from a distance.

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Although clothing is also retained by the reincarnated shinobi, weaponry on the other hand is not and must be procured by the user when necessary, as seen when two members of the [[Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist]] were unable to retrieve their weapons from a scroll upon reincarnation, as they were currently in the possession of others.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 523, page 6</ref> However, once obtained, shinobi that have stored their weapons in or about their person are still able to re-summon their tools, regardless of the number of times they are stored within their respective coffin.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 527, pages 1-3</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 546, page 3</ref> As a downside, the reincarnated seem to retain any permanent body damage and physical limitations they received during their lifetime. The summoned can be recalled at will by the user, causing an empty coffin to emerge and reclaim the individual, and the summoner can also use reincarnated individuals to remotely summon coffins containing additional reinforcements.<ref name="chapter 522">''Naruto'' chapter 522</ref> In the anime the summoner was somehow able to summon an [[Fukai|individual]] a great distance away without using one of the reincarnated as a proxy, but by simply placing a piece on the grid.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 318</ref>

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Although clothing is also retained by the reincarnated shinobi, weaponry on the other hand is not and must be procured by the user when necessary, as seen when two members of the [[Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist]] were unable to retrieve their weapons from a scroll upon reincarnation, as they were currently in the possession of others.<ref>Chapter 523, page 6</ref> However, once obtained, shinobi that have stored their weapons in or about their person are still able to re-summon their tools, regardless of the number of times they are stored within their respective coffin.<ref>Chapter 527, pages 1-3</ref><ref>Chapter 546, page 3</ref> As a downside, the reincarnated seem to retain any permanent body damage and physical limitations they received during their lifetime. The summoned can be recalled at will by the user, causing an empty coffin to emerge and reclaim the individual, and the summoner can also use reincarnated individuals to remotely summon coffins containing additional reinforcements.<ref name="chapter 522">Chapter 522</ref> In the anime, the summoner was somehow able to summon an [[Blue B|individual]] a great distance away without using one of the reincarnated as a proxy, but by simply placing a piece on the grid.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 318</ref>

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Along with this, the summoned individual can feel the person's chakra flowing through them.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 530, page 14</ref> Shinobi with [[Sensor Type|sensory]] ability are also able to go one step further and decipher the actual source of the chakra that is manipulating them, even if the summoner is within the confines of a [[Barrier Ninjutsu|barrier]]. This poses a potential disadvantage to the summoner, as a renegade summon that is no longer under their direct control may be able to locate them.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 577, page 16</ref>

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Along with this, the summoned individual can feel the person's chakra flowing through them.<ref>Chapter 530, page 14</ref> Shinobi with [[Sensor Type|sensory]] ability are also able to go one step further and decipher the actual source of the chakra that is manipulating them, even if the summoner is within the confines of a [[Barrier Ninjutsu|barrier]]. This poses a potential disadvantage to the summoner, as a renegade summon that is no longer under their direct control may be able to locate them.<ref>Chapter 577, page 16</ref>

=== Control ===

=== Control ===

Line 48:

Line 48:

After the individual has been summoned and awakened, the summoner has no control over the reincarnated individuals with the exception of restraining their movements until they implant a special talisman, which is attached to the end of a kunai and implanted in the brain.

After the individual has been summoned and awakened, the summoner has no control over the reincarnated individuals with the exception of restraining their movements until they implant a special talisman, which is attached to the end of a kunai and implanted in the brain.

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Different talismans can be used to enact different degrees of control. Orochimaru's talismans completely eliminated the personalities of the summoned, turning them into mindless killing machines under his command. Kabuto prefers to use a weaker controlling talisman on certain individuals, allowing them to retain some degree of their own personality. The latter method is useful for psychological warfare,<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 516, page 5</ref> and can also allow the summoned individual to tap into their own emotions, memories, or creativity to enhance their effectiveness in combat,<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 513, pages 2 and 17</ref> but also carries a host of drawbacks; it takes more effort to retain control with the weaker binding which can make it possible for the hearts of the summoned to be swayed by strong emotions, which can result in the soul breaking free and returning to the Pure World,<ref name="chapter 522"/> or the reincarnated contradicting orders that they are given.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 532, pages 10-11</ref> Reincarnated shinobi with their personalities still intact have their movements limited to certain actions, and are basically on "auto-pilot" to react to enemy techniques.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 547, page 10</ref> Once they recognise an enemy technique their bodies are programmed to counter it with an appropriate method.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 548, page 14</ref> The controlexertedoverthereincarnatediscrucial.ThiswaswitnessedwhenHashiramaandTobiramaSenjuwerereincarnatedforasecondtime—thistimeOrochimaru'sperfection of the techniquebroughtbackthetwoneartheirfullpowerduringtheirlifetime.Tobiramanotedthatthiswas to Orochimaru'sdetrimentasatechniquehehadinventedcouldnotcontainhim.IttooktheuseofOrochimaru'srecentlyacquiredSenjucellstostrengthen the binding.<ref>''Naruto''chapter620,pages9-11</ref>ItwasalsonotedinHashirama'scasethathewas actually abletopassivelyresistOrochimaru'scommandsandwasmovingofhisown volition.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 620, page 11</ref>

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Different talismans can be used to enact different degrees of control. Orochimaru's talismans completely eliminated the personalities of the summoned, turning them into mindless killing machines under his command. Though gaining complete control of the summoned, a drawback to this method is a severe decrease in the summoned individuals power and limited capabilities when they had free will. Kabuto prefers to use a weaker controlling talisman on certain individuals, allowing them to retain some degree of their own personality. The latter method is useful for psychological warfare,<ref>Chapter 516, page 5</ref> and can also allow the summoned individual to tap into their own emotions, memories, or creativity to enhance their effectiveness in combat,<ref>Chapter 513, pages 2 and 17</ref> but also carries a host of drawbacks; it takes more effort to retain control with the weaker binding which can make it possible for the hearts of the summoned to be swayed by strong emotions, which can result in the soul breaking free and returning to the Pure World,<ref name="chapter 522"/> or the reincarnated contradicting orders that they are given.<ref>Chapter 532, pages 10-11</ref> Reincarnated shinobi with their personalities still intact have their movements limited to certain actions, and are basically on "auto-pilot" to react to enemy techniques.<ref>Chapter 547, page 10</ref> Once they recognise an enemy technique their bodies are programmed to counter it with an appropriate method.<ref>Chapter 548, page 14</ref> The individualcanalsocontroltheirmovementstoadegreesuchasmakingpoorcombatdecisions.WhiletheThirdRaikagewasforcedtofighttheFourthDivision of the ShinobiAllianceArmyhewasabletodistancehimselffromGengetsu,toincreasetheFourthDivision'sability to sealthemoff.Gengetsuwentontocommentifitwasn'tforthat,theywouldn'thavebeensealedoff.Also,ifareincarnatedisn't the typetocontroltheiremotionsverywellandgetexcitedoverabattle,theycan actually endupbeinganevenbiggerthreatdespitewantingtobedefeated.

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The control exerted over the reincarnated is crucial. This was witnessed when Hashirama and Tobirama Senju were reincarnated for a second time — this time Orochimaru's perfection of the technique brought back the two near their full power during their lifetime. Tobirama noted that this was to Orochimaru's detriment as a technique he had invented could not contain him. It took the use of Orochimaru's recently acquired Senju cells to strengthen the binding.<ref>Chapter 620, pages 9-11</ref> It was also noted in Hashirama's case that he was actually able to passively resist Orochimaru's commands and was moving of his own volition.<ref>Chapter 620, page 11</ref>

Even so, Kabuto Yakushi displayed the ability to completely remove their personalities if he needed, and may elect to if they resist his command too strongly. After gaining more experience with the technique, and absorbing Orochimaru's chakra from [[Anko Mitarashi]], Kabuto exerts greater control over the summoned and can even overwrite his own talismans remotely, greatly increasing the power of the binding.<ref name="chapter 522"/> Once deployed, he can either remotely control or track the summoned individuals using pebbles he manipulates on a simple grid, which acts as a map of sorts.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 521, page 17</ref> When a reincarnated person is sealed, the pebble turns to dust. This was seen when Haku and Zabuza were immobilised by Kakashi, Maki, and the rest of their division. The pebble for his [[Madara Uchiha|trump card]] was black in colour while the others are light-coloured.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 575, page 14</ref> The summoner can also directly talk through the summoned individual.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 560, page 2</ref>

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Even so, Kabuto Yakushi displayed the ability to completely remove their personalities if he needed, and may elect to if they resist his command too strongly. After gaining more experience with the technique, and absorbing Orochimaru's chakra from [[Anko Mitarashi]], Kabuto exerts greater control over the summoned and can even overwrite his own talismans remotely, greatly increasing the power of the binding.<ref name="chapter 522"/> Once deployed, he can either remotely control or track the summoned individuals using pebbles he manipulates on a simple grid, which acts as a map of sorts.<ref>Chapter 521, page 17</ref> When a reincarnated person is sealed, the pebble turns to dust. This was seen when Haku and Zabuza were immobilised by Kakashi, Maki, and the rest of their division. The pebble for his [[Madara Uchiha|trump card]] was black in colour while the others are light-coloured.<ref>Chapter 575, page 14</ref> The summoner can also directly talk through the summoned individual.<ref>Chapter 560, page 2</ref>

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Provided the summoner has not eliminated the reincarnated person's personality, by doing certain hand seals they can break the link binding him or her to the Impure World Reincarnation contract. In doing so, they take full control of their being and if the technique is cancelled and contract is now their own, they will remain under their own power, with the immortal body and unlimited chakra the technique provides.<ref name="chpt591">''Naruto'' chapter 591, pages16-17</ref>

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Provided the summoner has not eliminated the reincarnated person's personality, by doing certain hand seals they can break the link binding them to the Impure World Reincarnation contract. In doing so, they take full control of their being and if the technique is cancelled and contract is now their own, they will remain under their own power, with the immortal body and unlimited chakra the technique provides.<ref name="chpt591">Chapter 591, page 17</ref>

=== Enhancements ===

=== Enhancements ===

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Unlike while they were still alive, the reincarnated have unlimited chakra<ref name="chpt591"/> and stamina; able to can fight continuously as neither [[Kimimaro]], [[Itachi]] nor [[Hayate]] showed any fatigue from their illnesses as they did in life, and Itachi was even able to use multiple [[Mangekyō Sharingan]] techniques without showing exhaustion, while minor uses caused fatigue in life. The reincarnated are impossible to kill by normal means. Any damage they receive will easily regenerate, be it lost limbs or complete disintegration. Not even killing the summoner get rid of them.<ref name="chapter521">''Naruto'' chapter 521, page 3</ref>

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Unlike while they were still alive, the reincarnated have unlimited chakra<ref name="chpt591"/> and stamina; able to fight continuously as neither [[Kimimaro]], [[Itachi]] nor [[Hayate]] showed any fatigue from their illnesses as they did in life, and Itachi was even able to use multiple [[Mangekyō Sharingan]] techniques without showing exhaustion, while minor uses caused fatigue in life. The reincarnated are impossible to kill by normal means. Any damage they receive will easily regenerate, be it lost limbs or complete disintegration. Not even killing the summoner gets rid of them.<ref name="chapter521">Chapter 521, page 3</ref> It is also shown even if part of the head of a reincarnated shinobi is destroyed, if enough of the head remains, they are still capable of performing techniques to counter the enemy.

Tobirama Senju, the creator of the technique, also developed a [[fighting style]] around this technique which was generally to be used by the reincarnated shinobi. As mentioned by Madara, the technique was originally created to employ a [[Wikipedia:Kamizkaze|Kamikaze]]-like assault on enemy forces, using [[C0|suicide techniques]] and [[Tengai Shinsei|large-scale ninjutsu]] without fear as the reincarnated shinobi will completely regenerate afterwards.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 518, pages 9, 10, 14</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 561, pages 1-2</ref> One technique developed exclusively to take advantage of this, that was shown so far is the [[Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags]], a technique which takes advantage of not only the immortal body to withstand the near-infinite chain of explosions but uses the reincarnated shinobi's body as a medium to produce the exploding tags.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 639</ref>

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Tobirama Senju, the creator of the technique, also developed a [[fighting style]] around this technique which was generally to be used by the reincarnated shinobi. As mentioned by Madara, the technique was originally created to employ a [[Wikipedia:Kamizkaze|Kamikaze]]-like assault on enemy forces, using [[C0|suicide techniques]] and [[Tengai Shinsei|large-scale ninjutsu]] without fear as the reincarnated shinobi will completely regenerate afterwards.<ref>Chapter 518, pages 9, 10, 14</ref><ref>Chapter 561, pages 1-2</ref> One technique developed exclusively to take advantage of this, that was shown so far is the [[Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags]], a technique which takes advantage of not only the immortal body to withstand the near-infinite chain of explosions but uses the reincarnated shinobi's body as a medium to produce the exploding tags.<ref>Chapter 639</ref> Reincarnated individuals are also immune to the [[Infinite Tsukuyomi]].<ref>Chapter 677, pages 10, 14, 16-17</ref>

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The reincarnated can also have their bodies modified and experimented on. While the technique usually reincarnates one as they were upon death, the reincarnated can also have various points from their life combined to get the best possible results as seen with [[Madara Uchiha]], having been brought back "''beyond his prime''" despite dying a withered old man. In addition to regaining his physical youth with peak health and combat prowess, he also retained the Wood Release and Rinnegan,powers he never had in his youth.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 560, page 3</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 602</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 606, page 12</ref> In the anime Kabuto also experimented on [[Fukai]] who had [[Gyuki]]'s chakra added to his reincarnated body through cells cultivated from the horn that was broken in the tailed beast's last rampage.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 318</ref> Tobi also modified the eyes of the reincarnated [[jinchūriki]] to match his own, though this was only due to the use of the [[Six Paths of Pain]] technique which caused his eyes to be reflected in theirs,<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 544, pages 14-15</ref> as well as resealing the [[tailed beasts]] back into their respective hosts.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 565, page 1</ref> It also appears that despite gaining many enhancements, the reincarnated shinobi cannot gain full power to the new abilities, unless they are brought back to the world of the living; i.e. [[Madara Uchiha]]. Similarly, while the reincarnated shinobi can access any abilities from any points of their life if modified for such, should the target be brought back to life, any lost anatomy from life will return as such; i.e. Madara losing his eyes once revived as he transplanted them to Nagato while in life.

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The reincarnated can also have their bodies modified and experimented on. While the technique usually reincarnates one as they were upon death, the reincarnated can also have various points from their life combined to get the best possible results as seen with [[Madara Uchiha]], having been brought back "''beyond his prime''" despite dying a withered old man. In addition to regaining his physical youth with peak health and combat prowess, he also retained the Wood Release and Rinnegan abilities he had in his old age.<ref>Chapter 560, page 3</ref><ref>Chapter 602</ref><ref>Chapter 606, page 12</ref> Madara also lost no chakra from using any of his techniques because of the technique, giving him even greater power. In the anime Kabuto also experimented on [[Blue B]] who had [[Gyuki]]'s chakra added to his reincarnated body through cells cultivated from the horn that was broken in the tailed beast's last rampage.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 318</ref> Tobi also modified the eyes of the reincarnated [[jinchūriki]] to match his own, though this was only due to the use of the [[Six Paths of Pain]] technique which caused his eyes to be reflected in theirs,<ref>Chapter 544, pages 14-15</ref> as well as resealing the [[tailed beasts]] back into their respective hosts.<ref>Chapter 565, page 1</ref> It also appears that despite gaining many enhancements, the reincarnated shinobi cannot gain full access to the new abilities, unless they are brought back to the world of the living as a living being; like in the case of [[Madara Uchiha]]. Similarly, while the reincarnated shinobi can access any abilities from any points of their life if modified for such, should the target be brought back to life, any lost anatomy from life will return as such; for example, Madara losing his eyes once revived since he had transplanted them to Nagato while alive.

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== Countering ==

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== Weaknesses and Methods of Countering ==

While the reincarnated are immune to traditional attacks such as weapon-based attacks and even the death of the summoner being ineffective,<ref name="chapter521"/> there are four discovered methods to end the technique:

While the reincarnated are immune to traditional attacks such as weapon-based attacks and even the death of the summoner being ineffective,<ref name="chapter521"/> there are four discovered methods to end the technique:

# Seal away the soul of the reincarnated individual.

# Seal away the soul of the reincarnated individual.

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# Have the summoner end the technique. As they are unlikely to do this voluntarily, using a [[genjutsu]] to trick them into cancelling the technique is ideal. The sequence of hand seals for cancelling the technique is ''Rat → Ox → Monkey → Tiger → Dragon → Boar'' and saying {{translation|"release"|解|kai}} (when demonstrating the technique to Tobi, Kabuto lied that the seals to release it are ''Dog → Horse → Tiger'').<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 589, pages 8-12</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 521, page 3</ref> If the summoner dies before the technique is deactivated, however, then this method is no longer a viable option.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 577, page 17</ref> This also does not work if the summoned managed to sever the contract's link before the summoner undo the technique.

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# Have the summoner end the technique. As they are unlikely to do this voluntarily, using a [[genjutsu]] to trick them into cancelling the technique is ideal. The sequence of hand seals for cancelling the technique is ''Rat → Ox → Monkey → Tiger → Dragon → Boar'' and saying {{translation|"release"|解|kai}} (when demonstrating the technique to Tobi, Kabuto lied that the seals to release it are ''Dog → Horse → Tiger'').<ref>Chapter 589, pages 8-12</ref><ref>Chapter 521, page 3</ref> If the summoner dies before the technique is deactivated, however, then this method is no longer a viable option.<ref>Chapter 577, page 17</ref> This also does not work if the summoned managed to sever the contract's link before the summoner undo the technique.<ref name="chpt591"/> [[Hagoromo]] was able to release reincarnated souls despite not being the caster of the technique.<ref>Chapter 691, page 13</ref>

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# The reincarnated individual is affected in some emotional way that gives them closure;<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 518, page 17</ref> [[Kankurō]] notes that human emotions are not so easily restrained.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 519, page 4</ref> However, this method cannot work if the summoner eradicates the personality of the reincarnated individual before their soul is freed of its bonds.<ref name="chapter 522"/>

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# The reincarnated individual is affected in some emotional way that gives them closure;<ref>Chapter 518, page 17</ref> [[Kankurō]] notes that human emotions are not so easily restrained.<ref>Chapter 519, page 4</ref> However, this method cannot work if the summoner eradicates the personality of the reincarnated individual before their soul is freed of its bonds.<ref name="chapter 522"/>

−

# If the reincarnated person is struck in a vital spot with [[Ten-TailsMalleable Chakra|a Yin-Yang Technique that renders the target into nothingness]], said person will effectively die, as they cannot regenerate.<ref name="c642">''Naruto'' chapter 642, pages 4-5</ref>

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# If the reincarnated person is struck in a vital spot with [[Truth-SeekingBall|a Yin-Yang Technique that renders the target into nothingness]], said person will effectively die, as they cannot regenerate.<ref name="c642">Chapter 642, pages 4-5</ref>

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[[File:Itachi's soul.png|thumb|left|Itachi Uchiha's soul ascending.]]

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[[File:Itachi's soul.png|thumb|Itachi Uchiha's soul ascending.]]

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Once any of the first four methods are accomplished, the reincarnated individual will briefly regain their personalities before crumbling back into dust, leaving the bodies of the sacrificed individuals lying among the ashes. If the technique is cancelled by the user, the reincarnated's bodies are surrounded by a light before beginning to deconstruct.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 589, pages 12-17</ref> After this, the reincarnated individual's soul will begin to ascend, leaving behind the corpse of their vessel.

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Once any of the first four methods are accomplished, the reincarnated individual will briefly regain their personalities before crumbling back into dust, leaving the bodies of the sacrificed individuals lying among the ashes. If the technique is cancelled by the user, the reincarnated's bodies are surrounded by a light before beginning to deconstruct.<ref>Chapter 589, pages 12-17</ref> After this, the reincarnated individual's soul will begin to ascend, leaving behind the corpse of their vessel.

−

Aside from the four methods of actually defeating the technique outright, there are five discovered methods of countering the effectiveness of this technique:

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Aside from the four methods of actually defeating the technique outright, there are four discovered methods of countering the effectiveness of this technique:

# The technique can be partially combated by immobilising the bodies in a way that it cannot move, act, or be recalled by the summoner. Although this does not truly defeat the summoning, it is effective at neutralising the immediate threat the reincarnated pose in battle.

# The technique can be partially combated by immobilising the bodies in a way that it cannot move, act, or be recalled by the summoner. Although this does not truly defeat the summoning, it is effective at neutralising the immediate threat the reincarnated pose in battle.

−

# If the reincarnated still retain their personalities, they can speak against the user or themselves by providing hints and advice to the opponents, even in the midst of involuntarily fighting them.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 532, page 15</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 548, pages 16-18</ref> With considerable strength of will, the summoner's authority can even be completely overridden, albeit briefly,<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 532, pages 10-11</ref> although in [[Hashirama Senju|one case]] the reincarnated was completely able to resist the restraining properties of this technique with relative ease and in [[Tobirama|another case]] the reincarnated was able to resist the restraining properties before it was strengthed.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 620, page 9-11</ref>

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# If the reincarnated still retain their personalities, they can speak against the user or themselves by providing hints and advice to the opponents, even in the midst of involuntarily fighting them.<ref>Chapter 532, page 15</ref><ref>Chapter 548, pages 16-18</ref> With considerable strength of will, the summoner's authority can even be completely overridden, albeit briefly,<ref>Chapter 532, pages 10-11</ref> although in [[Hashirama Senju|one case]] the reincarnated was completely able to resist the restraining properties of this technique with relative ease and in [[Tobirama Senju|another case]] the reincarnated was able to resist the restraining properties before it was strengthed.<ref>Chapter 620, page 9-11</ref>

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# [[Itachi Uchiha]] was able to use [[Kotoamatsukami]] to layer another order on top of the one established by this technique overriding the user's control.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 550, page 8</ref> This can be remedied if the user can place a stronger binding talisman into the said reincarnated person, thus re-establishing control.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 582, page 3</ref>

+

# [[Itachi Uchiha]] was able to use [[Kotoamatsukami]] to layer another order on top of the one established by this technique overriding the user's control.<ref>Chapter 550, page 8</ref> This can be remedied if the user can place a stronger binding talisman into the said reincarnated person, thus re-establishing control.<ref>Chapter 582, page 3</ref>

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# What Madara describes as "the one risk of the technique",if the reincarnated knows the specific seal, one can release the Impure World Reincarnation's summoning contract, severing the bond between themselves and the summoner. This leaves the individual effectively immortal with an unlimited amount of chakra, and the summonerhasnocontrolovertheindividual'smindandmovementsany longer, nor can the technique be deactivated on the said individual.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter591, page 17</ref> Theseals for severing the contractasdepicted in the animeareSnake→Ram→Boar→Dog→ Tiger.<ref>''Naruto:Shippūden'' episode 340</ref> Usingthismethod,if the individual was given free reign, temporarily removes the cracks on their bodies, restoring them to the appearance they had in life, but for unexplained reasons the cracks reappear later on.

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# What Madara describes as "the one risk of the technique".If the reincarnated knows the specific {{translation|spell release seals|解呪の印|Kaiju no In}}, one can release the Impure World Reincarnation's summoning contract, severing the bond between themselves and the summoner. In the anime, the sealsareSnake→Ram→Boar→Dog→Tiger.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode340</ref> Thisleaves the individualfreeof the summoner'scontrolinallaspectswhileretainingtheiressentialimmortally.<ref name="chpt591"/> Anadditionaleffectof the individual's free reign is temporarily removing the cracks on their bodies, restoring them to the appearance they had in life, but for unexplained reasons the cracks reappear later on.

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# If the reincarnated is struck with [[Ten-Tails Malleable Chakra|a Yin-Yang Technique that renders the target into nothingness]], then the struck body part will not regenerate, as the very technique itself is destroyed. If struck at a vital point, then the reincarnated person will effectively die, thus defeating the technique outright.<ref name="c642"/>

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It should be noted that the reincarnated are still vulnerable to any technique that could affect them while they were alive, but theyareabletoreformassoon as they receive anydamage. Furthermore, while the reincarnated can't be destroyed and feel no pain which originates from bodily harm or mutilation,<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 527, page 14</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 532, pages 10-11</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 552, page 16</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 553, pages 4-5</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 561, pages 2, 7</ref> they are still vulnerable to the drawbacks from their own techniques or weaknesses. Such examples include [[Hanzō]]'s [[poison]] acting as a paralysis agent, [[Mū]] along with the [[SecondMizukage]] being left weakened after using [[Fission Technique|certain]] [[Steaming Danger Tyranny|techniques]], and [[Itachi]]'s eye bleeding on the activation of his [[Mangekyō Sharingan]]. The First to Fourth Hokage were also limited by how many clones they could make while maintaining the [[Four Red Yang Formation]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 637, pages 4-5</ref> In some instances, small, self-inflicted harms will produce blood so that the summoned can use [[Summoning Technique|summoning techniques]],<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 548, page 17</ref> for an example, although greater harms won't make the summoner bleed.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 532, pages 10-11</ref>

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It should be noted that the reincarnated are still vulnerable to any technique that could affect them while they were alive, but theirbodieshealinstantlyalongwiththeirchakra. Furthermore, while the reincarnated can't be destroyed and feel no pain which originates from bodily harm or mutilation,<ref>Chapter 527, page 14</ref><ref>Chapter 532, pages 10-11</ref><ref>Chapter 552, page 16</ref><ref>Chapter 553, pages 4-5</ref><ref>Chapter 561, pages 2, 7</ref> they are still vulnerable to the drawbacks from their own techniques or weaknesses. Such examples include [[Hanzō]]'s [[poison]] acting as a paralysis agent, [[Mū]] along with [[GengetsuHōzuki]] being left weakened after using [[Fission Technique|certain]] [[Steaming Danger Tyranny|techniques]], and [[Itachi]]'s eye bleeding on the activation of his [[Mangekyō Sharingan]]. The First to Fourth Hokage were also limited by how many clones they could make while maintaining the [[Four Red Yang Formation]].<ref>Chapter 637, pages 4-5</ref> In some instances, small, self-inflicted harms will produce blood so that the summoned can use [[Summoning Technique|summoning techniques]],<ref>Chapter 548, page 17</ref> for an example, although greater harms won't make the summoner bleed.<ref>Chapter 532, pages 10-11</ref>

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Apparently,asleastin Madara'scase, the reincarnated body created by this technique cannot access the fullest potential of the person's original living body, as Madara only managed to break free of the [[Sage Art: Gate of the Great God]] and [[Sealing Technique: Tiger Vision Staring Bullet]] when he [[Zetsu|forced]] Obito to [[Outer Path: Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique|revive him into a body of living flesh]], despite all the enhancements Kabuto gave him beforehand.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 656, page 17</ref> Also, the corpse vessel created by the Impure World Reincarnation cannot be used as a [[Jinchūriki|host]] for the [[Shinju]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 614, page 5</ref>

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AccordingtoMadaraandTobirama, the reincarnated body created by this technique cannot access the fullest potential of the person's original living body, as Madara only managed to break free of the [[Sage Art: Gate of the Great God]] and [[Sealing Technique: Tiger Vision Staring Bullet]] when he [[Zetsu|forced]] Obito to [[Outer Path: Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique|revive him into a body of living flesh]], despite all the enhancements Kabuto gave him beforehand.<ref>Chapter 656, page 17</ref> Also, the corpse vessel created by the Impure World Reincarnation cannot be used as a [[Jinchūriki|host]] for the [[Ten-Tails]].<ref>Chapter 614, page 5</ref>

== Known Reincarnated ==

== Known Reincarnated ==

−

{| class="wikitable sortable" border="1"

+

{| class="wikitable sortable"

|+ '''Reincarnated by Orochimaru'''

|+ '''Reincarnated by Orochimaru'''

|-

|-

−

! scope="col" | Name

+

! Name

−

! scope="col" | Village of origin

+

! Village of origin

−

! scope="col" | Reason for reincarnation

+

! Reason for reincarnation

|-

|-

| [[Hashirama Senju]] || [[Konohagakure]] || [[Hokage]]

| [[Hashirama Senju]] || [[Konohagakure]] || [[Hokage]]

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<!-- Do NOT change the reason for reincarnation or add a status column -->

<!-- Do NOT change the reason for reincarnation or add a status column -->

In the anime, it was shown that Kabuto has reincarnated a great deal more shinobi than shown in the manga. While most of these have yet to be seen on the battlefield, the ones that have been used are as follow:

In the anime, it was shown that Kabuto has reincarnated a great deal more shinobi than shown in the manga. While most of these have yet to be seen on the battlefield, the ones that have been used are as follow:

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* In the [[Chikara Arc]], during the invasion of the [[Tonika Village]] and the subsequent skirmish with officers from the [[Hachō Village]] and [[Team Kakashi]], Kabuto summoned several shinobi:

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* In the [[Power(Arc)|Power arc]], during the invasion of the [[Tonika Village]] and the subsequent skirmish with officers from the [[Hachō Village]] and [[Team Kakashi]], Kabuto summoned several shinobi:

** A burly Kumogakure shinobi wielding a [[wikipedia:bō|bō]].

** A burly Kumogakure shinobi wielding a [[wikipedia:bō|bō]].

** A Sunagakure shinobi wielding a pair of [[Wikipedia:Chakram|chakram]].

** A Sunagakure shinobi wielding a pair of [[Wikipedia:Chakram|chakram]].

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** An Iwagakure shinobi wearing a flame-thrower device.

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** An Iwagakure shinobi wearing a [[flamethrower]] device.

** A Kirigakure shinobi wielding a [[sword]].

** A Kirigakure shinobi wielding a [[sword]].

** A Takigakure shinobi with an eye-patch covering his left eye.

** A Takigakure shinobi with an eye-patch covering his left eye.

* When Kabuto summoned the reincarnated shinobi for war, there were several additional ones who do not appear in the manga.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 256</ref>

* When Kabuto summoned the reincarnated shinobi for war, there were several additional ones who do not appear in the manga.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 256</ref>

* Kabuto would later reincarnate an unknown Kumo-nin who wore a bird-motif mask which covered the upper-half of his face and a Suna-nin who wore his [[flak jacket]] open and wielded a broad axe. They were assigned to a team with [[Hayate Gekkō]] to retrieve the KIA list — a scroll which had been used to [[Generic Sealing Technique|seal]] away the bodies of shinobi with [[kekkei genkai]] and other special abilities.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 307</ref>

* Kabuto would later reincarnate an unknown Kumo-nin who wore a bird-motif mask which covered the upper-half of his face and a Suna-nin who wore his [[flak jacket]] open and wielded a broad axe. They were assigned to a team with [[Hayate Gekkō]] to retrieve the KIA list — a scroll which had been used to [[Generic Sealing Technique|seal]] away the bodies of shinobi with [[kekkei genkai]] and other special abilities.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 307</ref>

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* Kabuto also summoned a large group of "lesser" ninja who had been reincarnated by mistake, deploying them after losing many of his key reincarnations, with the intent of recovering said key fighters. [[Torune]] is deployed among this group. A [[White Zetsu Army|White Zetsu clone]] noted however they are the "failures" and a majority were no more powerful than simple [[genin]]. Instead of stones, these failures were represented by a pile of sand on his playing board.<ref name="ship316">''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 316</ref>

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* Kabuto also summoned a large group of "lesser" ninja who had been reincarnated by mistake, deploying them after losing many of his key reincarnations, with the intent of recovering said key fighters. [[Torune Aburame]] is deployed among this group. A [[White Zetsu Army|White Zetsu clone]] noted however they are the "failures" and a majority were no more powerful than simple [[genin]]. Instead of stones, these failures were represented by a pile of sand on his playing board.<ref name="ship316">''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 316</ref>

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* In the (non-canon) story of ''Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2'', Orochimaru reincarnates Zabuza and Haku to aid him in his second invasion of Konoha.

== Trivia ==

== Trivia ==

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* The video game, ''Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2'', the (non-canon) storyline contradicts the idea the soul of the reincarnated must reside in the Pure World, as Orochimaru reincarnates the Third Hokage no differently than anyone else he summons in the game.

* The video game, ''Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2'', the (non-canon) storyline contradicts the idea the soul of the reincarnated must reside in the Pure World, as Orochimaru reincarnates the Third Hokage no differently than anyone else he summons in the game.

** [[Jiraiya]], though his body lies at the bottom of the ocean where the water pressure is too great to reach. However, he claimed that the bloodstains on the [[Six Paths of Pain]]'s [[Chakra Disruption Blades|weapons]] may provide enough DNA.<ref name="wish">''Naruto'' chapter 520, page 13</ref>

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** [[Jiraiya]], though his body lies at the bottom of the ocean where the water pressure is too great to reach. However, he claimed that the bloodstains on the [[Six Paths of Pain]]'s [[Chakra Disruption Blades|weapons]] may provide enough DNA.<ref name="wish">Chapter 520, page 13</ref>. Obito vehemently refused this suggestion, telling Kabuto "not to push his luck".

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** [[Shisui Uchiha]], but Kabuto could not find his body, though he suggested that Shisui's crushed eye, which is in Tobi's possession, may be sufficient.<ref name="wish" /> Later, after learning that Shisui's other eye was on the battlefield, he seemed excited at the prospect of obtaining it.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 550, page 13</ref> However, Itachi [[Amaterasu|incinerated]] it.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 552, page 11</ref>

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** [[Shisui Uchiha]], but Kabuto could not find his body, though he suggested that Shisui's crushed eye, which is in Tobi's possession, may be sufficient.<ref name="wish" /> Later, after learning that Shisui's other eye was on the battlefield, he seemed excited at the prospect of obtaining it.<ref>Chapter 550, page 13</ref> However, Itachi [[Amaterasu|incinerated]] it.<ref>Chapter 552, page 11</ref>

** [[Chiriku]] in the anime, but it is unknown if he actually managed to reincarnate him after his first failure.<ref name="ship316"/>

** [[Chiriku]] in the anime, but it is unknown if he actually managed to reincarnate him after his first failure.<ref name="ship316"/>

* Originally in the anime version, a reincarnated target's eyes appeared normal (albeit glazed over).<ref>''Naruto'' episode 69</ref> Later in Part II of the anime, the mistake was corrected, returning a reincarnated target's sclera dark grey like it is in the manga.

* Originally in the anime version, a reincarnated target's eyes appeared normal (albeit glazed over).<ref>''Naruto'' episode 69</ref> Later in Part II of the anime, the mistake was corrected, returning a reincarnated target's sclera dark grey like it is in the manga.

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* In the anime, when eradicating the personality of Hanzō, Kabuto used several hand seals instead of just one.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 272</ref>

* In the anime, when eradicating the personality of Hanzō, Kabuto used several hand seals instead of just one.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 272</ref>

* In the anime, when reincarnating multiple shinobi, it is shown that Kabuto seems to favour using sacrificial victims from Konohagakure.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 316</ref>

* In the anime, when reincarnating multiple shinobi, it is shown that Kabuto seems to favour using sacrificial victims from Konohagakure.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 316</ref>

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* When a reincarnated target breaks free of the contract, as seen in Madara Uchiha's case, any cracks about the individual's being will temporarily disappear.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 340</ref><ref>''Naruto''chapter 591, page 17</ref>

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* When a reincarnated target breaks free of the contract, as seen in Madara Uchiha's case, any cracks about the individual's being will temporarily disappear.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 340</ref><ref name="chpt591"/>

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* If a Rinnegan wielder is reanimated through the use of this technique, they cannot use the [[Outer Path: Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique]] to fully revive themselves, and must instead rely on another to do it for them.

+

* Given the reincarnated Akatsuki members, it appears the summoner can also change the clothing of the revived individual; they would have been revived in Akatsuki cloaks, but were wearing new red ones instead.

+

* While the bodies of reincarnated individuals cannot be completely eradicated, in the anime, [[Yota]] was able to [[Weather Manipulation|destroy]] his own body, unable to regenerate.

The Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation is a forbidden technique where, using a living person as a vessel, a deceased person's soul can be called back to the world of the living and bound to it. The vessel will then take on the form that person had in life, thereby reincarnating them to do their summoner's bidding.

Contents

Created by Tobirama Senju, this technique was intended for the dead to be reincarnated into soldiers able to clear a battlefield with devastating and under any other circumstance suicidal attacks.[2] Some time after its creation, however, Tobirama labelled it a kinjutsu and sealed it away. The SanninOrochimaru would later acquire the knowledge of how to use this technique to achieve his own objectives.[3] Orochimaru's aide Kabuto Yakushi claims this technique to be the greatest technique in the shinobi universe due to it posing no risk at all to the user, and by his own admission, has improved it to an even greater degree than its previous use.[3][4] This was affirmed by Chiyo — who had lived through the era of its initial use — to comment that its usage had become even more refined to be able to control such a large number of souls at one time.[5] Later, even Tobirama himself admitted to this, noting that the technique's new nature was essentially perfected and able to restore an individual to practically their full power.[6]

The seal for the ritual.

To perform this technique, the user must first acquire some of the DNA of the person they intend to reincarnate. Kabuto remarks that this basically amounts to grave-robbing, although blood stains or organs salvaged after the target's death also work.[7] The soul of the intended reincarnated must also reside in the Pure Land (浄土, jōdo); for example, those whose souls have been consumed by the Death God cannot be reincarnated.[8] However, if it is a case where the souls are freed from inside the Shinigami, then a user of this technique is free to reincarnate them once again.[9]

Torune being reincarnated with Fū as the sacrifice.

Next, a living sacrifice is required for the soul of the reincarnated to use as a vessel.[3] Once all prerequisites for the technique have been met, the acquired DNA of the person is smeared on a special scroll and once the scroll is activated, the remains spread out in the form of a special seal with the living sacrifice in the centre. Then dust and ash encase the sacrifice's body, giving them the same appearance that the reincarnated had at the time of their death. The process is apparently somewhat painful as seen when Fū was used to reincarnate Torune. The person is then reincarnated and the end product is usually stored in a casket until summoned by the user. The user can theoretically reincarnate a limitless number of people in this way, so long as they have enough sacrifices, chakra and DNA to perform the technique.[3] Despite this, this technique also has limitations, such as the individual having limitations that inhibited them in life such as Nagato's lack of mobility and depending on the summoner's mastery of the technique, the reincarnated individuals might not be brought back with the full power they had in life. However, reincarnating an individual with full power provides a potential risk to the user as the reincarnated can resist the restraining properties before they can have a talisman implanted into their brains. Although, this has only happenedtwice.[10] Any chakra of the sacrifice used for the reincarnation is completely overridden with the chakra of the one being reincarnated, thus a sensor type would only sense the chakra of the reincarnated soul and won't sense anything of the victim's original chakra signature. Even though destroying a shinobi's clothing causes it to regenerate, if it was taken off willingly without destroying the clothing, it will not reform on the reincarnated. Also, any unique anatomy will be restored with the reincarnated such as Hanzō's poison gland.

It is possible for a reincarnated shinobi to be revived into a real living body again. However, any modifications to the reincarnated that already exists elsewhere will be removed as a result. Madara, for example, was resurrected without his Rinnegan, because they already existed elsewhere and were not with him when he died.[11]

When first summoned, the body of the reincarnated is stored in a coffin; their body will appear grey and in a state of minor "decay": marred by cracks and other imperfections, and the individual will also appear to be "disengaged". After inserting a talisman, their bodies become "rejuvenated", regaining their original complexion and their eyes lose their glassy state; however, their sclerae take on a grey colouring, however this has no affect on the ability of the reincarnated and they can be left in this "decay" state if the summoner chooses to give them free reign. They retain their personality, memories, and all abilities they had in life, including kekkei genkai, kekkei tōta and summoning contracts.[12] When the reincarnated is conscious and their personality is suppressed, their sclerae becomes black and gain white irises.[13] Also, any conversation the reincarnated has with others, including other reincarnations, will not be heard by the user that is controlling them from a distance.

Although clothing is also retained by the reincarnated shinobi, weaponry on the other hand is not and must be procured by the user when necessary, as seen when two members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist were unable to retrieve their weapons from a scroll upon reincarnation, as they were currently in the possession of others.[14] However, once obtained, shinobi that have stored their weapons in or about their person are still able to re-summon their tools, regardless of the number of times they are stored within their respective coffin.[15][16] As a downside, the reincarnated seem to retain any permanent body damage and physical limitations they received during their lifetime. The summoned can be recalled at will by the user, causing an empty coffin to emerge and reclaim the individual, and the summoner can also use reincarnated individuals to remotely summon coffins containing additional reinforcements.[17] In the anime, the summoner was somehow able to summon an individual a great distance away without using one of the reincarnated as a proxy, but by simply placing a piece on the grid.[18]

Along with this, the summoned individual can feel the person's chakra flowing through them.[19] Shinobi with sensory ability are also able to go one step further and decipher the actual source of the chakra that is manipulating them, even if the summoner is within the confines of a barrier. This poses a potential disadvantage to the summoner, as a renegade summon that is no longer under their direct control may be able to locate them.[20]

After the individual has been summoned and awakened, the summoner has no control over the reincarnated individuals with the exception of restraining their movements until they implant a special talisman, which is attached to the end of a kunai and implanted in the brain.

Different talismans can be used to enact different degrees of control. Orochimaru's talismans completely eliminated the personalities of the summoned, turning them into mindless killing machines under his command. Though gaining complete control of the summoned, a drawback to this method is a severe decrease in the summoned individuals power and limited capabilities when they had free will. Kabuto prefers to use a weaker controlling talisman on certain individuals, allowing them to retain some degree of their own personality. The latter method is useful for psychological warfare,[21] and can also allow the summoned individual to tap into their own emotions, memories, or creativity to enhance their effectiveness in combat,[22] but also carries a host of drawbacks; it takes more effort to retain control with the weaker binding which can make it possible for the hearts of the summoned to be swayed by strong emotions, which can result in the soul breaking free and returning to the Pure World,[17] or the reincarnated contradicting orders that they are given.[23] Reincarnated shinobi with their personalities still intact have their movements limited to certain actions, and are basically on "auto-pilot" to react to enemy techniques.[24] Once they recognise an enemy technique their bodies are programmed to counter it with an appropriate method.[25] The individual can also control their movements to a degree such as making poor combat decisions. While the Third Raikage was forced to fight the Fourth Division of the Shinobi Alliance Army he was able to distance himself from Gengetsu, to increase the Fourth Division's ability to seal them off. Gengetsu went on to comment if it wasn't for that, they wouldn't have been sealed off. Also, if a reincarnated isn't the type to control their emotions very well and get excited over a battle, they can actually end up being an even bigger threat despite wanting to be defeated.

The control exerted over the reincarnated is crucial. This was witnessed when Hashirama and Tobirama Senju were reincarnated for a second time — this time Orochimaru's perfection of the technique brought back the two near their full power during their lifetime. Tobirama noted that this was to Orochimaru's detriment as a technique he had invented could not contain him. It took the use of Orochimaru's recently acquired Senju cells to strengthen the binding.[26] It was also noted in Hashirama's case that he was actually able to passively resist Orochimaru's commands and was moving of his own volition.[27]

The pebbles and grid Kabuto uses to monitor the reincarnated shinobi.

Even so, Kabuto Yakushi displayed the ability to completely remove their personalities if he needed, and may elect to if they resist his command too strongly. After gaining more experience with the technique, and absorbing Orochimaru's chakra from Anko Mitarashi, Kabuto exerts greater control over the summoned and can even overwrite his own talismans remotely, greatly increasing the power of the binding.[17] Once deployed, he can either remotely control or track the summoned individuals using pebbles he manipulates on a simple grid, which acts as a map of sorts.[28] When a reincarnated person is sealed, the pebble turns to dust. This was seen when Haku and Zabuza were immobilised by Kakashi, Maki, and the rest of their division. The pebble for his trump card was black in colour while the others are light-coloured.[29] The summoner can also directly talk through the summoned individual.[30]

Provided the summoner has not eliminated the reincarnated person's personality, by doing certain hand seals they can break the link binding them to the Impure World Reincarnation contract. In doing so, they take full control of their being and if the technique is cancelled and contract is now their own, they will remain under their own power, with the immortal body and unlimited chakra the technique provides.[31]

Unlike while they were still alive, the reincarnated have unlimited chakra[31] and stamina; able to fight continuously as neither Kimimaro, Itachi nor Hayate showed any fatigue from their illnesses as they did in life, and Itachi was even able to use multiple Mangekyō Sharingan techniques without showing exhaustion, while minor uses caused fatigue in life. The reincarnated are impossible to kill by normal means. Any damage they receive will easily regenerate, be it lost limbs or complete disintegration. Not even killing the summoner gets rid of them.[32] It is also shown even if part of the head of a reincarnated shinobi is destroyed, if enough of the head remains, they are still capable of performing techniques to counter the enemy.

Tobirama using the Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags.

Tobirama Senju, the creator of the technique, also developed a fighting style around this technique which was generally to be used by the reincarnated shinobi. As mentioned by Madara, the technique was originally created to employ a Kamikaze-like assault on enemy forces, using suicide techniques and large-scale ninjutsu without fear as the reincarnated shinobi will completely regenerate afterwards.[33][34] One technique developed exclusively to take advantage of this, that was shown so far is the Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags, a technique which takes advantage of not only the immortal body to withstand the near-infinite chain of explosions but uses the reincarnated shinobi's body as a medium to produce the exploding tags.[35] Reincarnated individuals are also immune to the Infinite Tsukuyomi.[36]

The reincarnated can also have their bodies modified and experimented on. While the technique usually reincarnates one as they were upon death, the reincarnated can also have various points from their life combined to get the best possible results as seen with Madara Uchiha, having been brought back "beyond his prime" despite dying a withered old man. In addition to regaining his physical youth with peak health and combat prowess, he also retained the Wood Release and Rinnegan abilities he had in his old age.[37][38][39] Madara also lost no chakra from using any of his techniques because of the technique, giving him even greater power. In the anime Kabuto also experimented on Blue B who had Gyuki's chakra added to his reincarnated body through cells cultivated from the horn that was broken in the tailed beast's last rampage.[40] Tobi also modified the eyes of the reincarnated jinchūriki to match his own, though this was only due to the use of the Six Paths of Pain technique which caused his eyes to be reflected in theirs,[41] as well as resealing the tailed beasts back into their respective hosts.[42] It also appears that despite gaining many enhancements, the reincarnated shinobi cannot gain full access to the new abilities, unless they are brought back to the world of the living as a living being; like in the case of Madara Uchiha. Similarly, while the reincarnated shinobi can access any abilities from any points of their life if modified for such, should the target be brought back to life, any lost anatomy from life will return as such; for example, Madara losing his eyes once revived since he had transplanted them to Nagato while alive.

While the reincarnated are immune to traditional attacks such as weapon-based attacks and even the death of the summoner being ineffective,[32] there are four discovered methods to end the technique:

Seal away the soul of the reincarnated individual.

Have the summoner end the technique. As they are unlikely to do this voluntarily, using a genjutsu to trick them into cancelling the technique is ideal. The sequence of hand seals for cancelling the technique is Rat → Ox → Monkey → Tiger → Dragon → Boar and saying "release" (解, kai) (when demonstrating the technique to Tobi, Kabuto lied that the seals to release it are Dog → Horse → Tiger).[43][44] If the summoner dies before the technique is deactivated, however, then this method is no longer a viable option.[45] This also does not work if the summoned managed to sever the contract's link before the summoner undo the technique.[31]Hagoromo was able to release reincarnated souls despite not being the caster of the technique.[46]

The reincarnated individual is affected in some emotional way that gives them closure;[47]Kankurō notes that human emotions are not so easily restrained.[48] However, this method cannot work if the summoner eradicates the personality of the reincarnated individual before their soul is freed of its bonds.[17]

Once any of the first four methods are accomplished, the reincarnated individual will briefly regain their personalities before crumbling back into dust, leaving the bodies of the sacrificed individuals lying among the ashes. If the technique is cancelled by the user, the reincarnated's bodies are surrounded by a light before beginning to deconstruct.[50] After this, the reincarnated individual's soul will begin to ascend, leaving behind the corpse of their vessel.

Aside from the four methods of actually defeating the technique outright, there are four discovered methods of countering the effectiveness of this technique:

The technique can be partially combated by immobilising the bodies in a way that it cannot move, act, or be recalled by the summoner. Although this does not truly defeat the summoning, it is effective at neutralising the immediate threat the reincarnated pose in battle.

If the reincarnated still retain their personalities, they can speak against the user or themselves by providing hints and advice to the opponents, even in the midst of involuntarily fighting them.[51][52] With considerable strength of will, the summoner's authority can even be completely overridden, albeit briefly,[53] although in one case the reincarnated was completely able to resist the restraining properties of this technique with relative ease and in another case the reincarnated was able to resist the restraining properties before it was strengthed.[54]

Itachi Uchiha was able to use Kotoamatsukami to layer another order on top of the one established by this technique overriding the user's control.[55] This can be remedied if the user can place a stronger binding talisman into the said reincarnated person, thus re-establishing control.[56]

What Madara describes as "the one risk of the technique". If the reincarnated knows the specific spell release seals (解呪の印, Kaiju no In), one can release the Impure World Reincarnation's summoning contract, severing the bond between themselves and the summoner. In the anime, the seals are Snake → Ram → Boar → Dog → Tiger.[57] This leaves the individual free of the summoner's control in all aspects while retaining their essential immortally.[31] An additional effect of the individual's free reign is temporarily removing the cracks on their bodies, restoring them to the appearance they had in life, but for unexplained reasons the cracks reappear later on.

It should be noted that the reincarnated are still vulnerable to any technique that could affect them while they were alive, but their bodies heal instantly along with their chakra. Furthermore, while the reincarnated can't be destroyed and feel no pain which originates from bodily harm or mutilation,[58][59][60][61][62] they are still vulnerable to the drawbacks from their own techniques or weaknesses. Such examples include Hanzō's poison acting as a paralysis agent, Mū along with Gengetsu Hōzuki being left weakened after using certaintechniques, and Itachi's eye bleeding on the activation of his Mangekyō Sharingan. The First to Fourth Hokage were also limited by how many clones they could make while maintaining the Four Red Yang Formation.[63] In some instances, small, self-inflicted harms will produce blood so that the summoned can use summoning techniques,[64] for an example, although greater harms won't make the summoner bleed.[65]

In the anime, it was shown that Kabuto has reincarnated a great deal more shinobi than shown in the manga. While most of these have yet to be seen on the battlefield, the ones that have been used are as follow:

When Kabuto summoned the reincarnated shinobi for war, there were several additional ones who do not appear in the manga.[68]

Kabuto would later reincarnate an unknown Kumo-nin who wore a bird-motif mask which covered the upper-half of his face and a Suna-nin who wore his flak jacket open and wielded a broad axe. They were assigned to a team with Hayate Gekkō to retrieve the KIA list — a scroll which had been used to seal away the bodies of shinobi with kekkei genkai and other special abilities.[69]

Kabuto also summoned a large group of "lesser" ninja who had been reincarnated by mistake, deploying them after losing many of his key reincarnations, with the intent of recovering said key fighters. Torune Aburame is deployed among this group. A White Zetsu clone noted however they are the "failures" and a majority were no more powerful than simple genin. Instead of stones, these failures were represented by a pile of sand on his playing board.[70]

In the (non-canon) story of Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2, Orochimaru reincarnates Zabuza and Haku to aid him in his second invasion of Konoha.

"Edo" (穢土; Literally meaning "Dirty Soil") is what Japanese Buddhists call the normal world, unenlightened people live in. The current, living world. The world of the people who have not yet have escaped the polluting thoughts (greed, hatred, delusion, etc.) that result in suffering.

A possible translation of Tensei is "Resurrection". In terms of this technique, both "Reincarnation" and "Resurrection" can be found; the sacrificed body is reincarnated into the body of the summoned shinobi, while the reincarnated shinobi is resurrected from the dead.

In chapter 117 of the manga, when Orochimaru first performs the technique, he tries to summon a third coffin. When the coffin is not summoned, he comments on its failure. Years later, in chapter 520, Kabuto explains that Orochimaru's attempt to summon the Fourth Hokage had failed due to his soul not residing in the "Pure World", which Orochimaru was not aware of. In episode 69 of the anime, when Orochimaru used this technique, the coffin briefly appears, with "four" (四, Yon) written on it.

The video game, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2, the (non-canon) storyline contradicts the idea the soul of the reincarnated must reside in the Pure World, as Orochimaru reincarnates the Third Hokage no differently than anyone else he summons in the game.

Kabuto also mentions his desire to reincarnate certain shinobi, including:

Jiraiya, though his body lies at the bottom of the ocean where the water pressure is too great to reach. However, he claimed that the bloodstains on the Six Paths of Pain's weapons may provide enough DNA.[71]. Obito vehemently refused this suggestion, telling Kabuto "not to push his luck".

Shisui Uchiha, but Kabuto could not find his body, though he suggested that Shisui's crushed eye, which is in Tobi's possession, may be sufficient.[71] Later, after learning that Shisui's other eye was on the battlefield, he seemed excited at the prospect of obtaining it.[72] However, Itachi incinerated it.[73]

Chiriku in the anime, but it is unknown if he actually managed to reincarnate him after his first failure.[70]

Originally in the anime version, a reincarnated target's eyes appeared normal (albeit glazed over).[74] Later in Part II of the anime, the mistake was corrected, returning a reincarnated target's sclera dark grey like it is in the manga.

Given the reincarnated Akatsuki members, it appears the summoner can also change the clothing of the revived individual; they would have been revived in Akatsuki cloaks, but were wearing new red ones instead.

While the bodies of reincarnated individuals cannot be completely eradicated, in the anime, Yota was able to destroy his own body, unable to regenerate.